Indigenous women of Nepal face multiple forms of discrimination. Indigenous women, being indigenous peoples, face racial, linguistic, religious, cultural, economic, political discrimination and exclusion. Also, indigenous women, being women, face gender discrimination. Thus, indigenous women are victimized by ideologies, policies and practices of Bahunbad (Brahmanism) and patriarchy.
Empowerment and strengthening of indigenous women is a must to end all forms of racial and gender discrimination, exploitation, suppression and oppression against indigenous women. Acceptance of multi-caste and ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural reality of Nepali society by the people’s movement of 1990 has indeed paved a way for non-governmental organizations to contribute for empowerment and strengthening of indigenous peoples, women and other excluded groups and communities. There was growing realization for a need of organized efforts by indigenous women to make development programs for women and indigenous peoples successful, to organize and empower indigenous women from local to national levels on common issues of women, and to work for equity and equality by having common objectives on women’s common issues. It was in this backdrop that the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was founded in 1998.
There are not only common problems and issues of indigenous women and other women and also of indigenous women and indigenous men but also distinct problems and issues that are unique to indigenous women. Therefore, the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) was established to support and raise awareness of indigenous women, to intensify advocacy for securing rights of indigenous women and indigenous children, and to run programs with focus on advocacy, training, discussion, interaction, study, and research as needed.
National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with financial support from MADRE, organized a school supplies distribution program in Hadikhola, Manahari Rural Municipality Ward 4. A total of 49 children from Grades 1 to 8 received school uniforms, shoes, bags, and essential stationery items. Among the recipients were 22 children from the endangered Bankariya community, 25 from the Chepang community, and 4 from the Tamang community. The distribution was officially carried out by Ward Chairperson Mr. Prakash Thapa. In addition to these items, educational materials were also distributed to 51 children. These included 56 dozen notebooks, 15 packets of dot pens, 5 boxes of pencils, 15 boxes of sharpeners, 15 boxes of erasers, and 50 record files. The program is part of the Santoshi Project, which also supports the operation of tuition classes for one year. With MADRE’s financial assistance, the project aims to enhance the academic performance of children from marginalized Indigenous communities. Since 2015, Santoshi Bankariya has been conducting tuition classes for Bankariya and other Indigenous children in the area.
The event was organized by NIWF's Field Coordinator Ms. Sanila Lama, staff member Ms. Rukmini Shrestha, Bangladeshi volunteers Ms. Eliza Baske and Ms. Afsana Ani. Mr AshokSujan Shrestha from Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Journalists (FoNIJ) was also present in the program as guest and news coverer.
From April 22 to 25, 2025, SALASAN Nepal, in collaboration with the National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), successfully conducted a four-day Project Implementation Guideline Training in Kathmandu for the recipients of the Innovative Climate Initiative Fund (ICIF). The training brought together 50 Indigenous Women leaders and representatives from Bhumlu, Indrawati, Chaurideurali, and Balefi Rural Municipalities to build their capacity to implement and address climate related issues faced by the indigenous women and other community members in the CLAN project area of 4 Rural Municipalities. The Climate Leadership and Action for Indigenous Women in Nepal is designed to enhance the capacity of Indigenous Women’s groups by equipping them with essential knowledge and practical tools for effective project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting—ultimately empowering them to lead sustainable, community-driven climate and development initiatives.
Divided into two focused phases, the first two days covered the planning and execution of construction-based climate initiatives, while the latter two days centered on plantation-related projects. A key highlight of the training was the coming up with detailed work plans by all 25 climate groups demonstrating strong community ownership, inclusive planning, and a results-oriented approach. These presentations showcased their commitment to transparency, accountability, and local engagement in driving climate resilience. In addition to technical skills, the training also focused on building participants’ capacity in financial management. Participants learned practical approaches to managing project funds transparently and efficiently, including the importance of collecting at least three quotations before purchasing materials—ensuring fair pricing and accountability. They were also introduced to basic auditing practices, helping them understand how to maintain proper financial records, prepare documentation for audits, and uphold financial integrity throughout the project cycle. These skills are essential for fostering transparency and trust within their communities and with funding partners. By strengthening the leadership and technical skills of Indigenous women-led groups, the training has laid a strong foundation for impactful climate action at the grassroots level—led by the very communities most affected by climate change.
On April 24, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support from MADRE, organized a Tunnel Plastic Distribution Program in Bhalukharka, Namobuddha Municipality-11, Kavrepalanchowk. The program aimed to support Indigenous Women farmers by providing tunnel plastic materials to enhance climate-resilient agricultural practices. A total of 20 women farmers from the Bhalukharka Indigenous Women Farmers IPM Group received the materials along with certificates of participation. The event also marked the successful completion of a 20-week Climate-Adaption Agricultural System training focused on climate-resilient farming systems.
This training, facilitated by Mr. Om Krishna Shrestha and supported by MADRE, provided hands-on knowledge to Indigenous women on sustainable agriculture methods tailored to their local environment. Mr. Shankar Prasad Bhattarai, Ward Secretary of Namobuddha Municipality-11, and Ms. Suni Lama, Chairperson of NIWF officially handed over the tunnel plastics and certificates to the 20 women farmers. Their presence highlighted the collaboration between local authorities and Indigenous organizations in promoting agricultural resilience. Other attendees included Ms. Basanti Tamang, Chairperson of the Bhalukharka Indigenous Women Farmers IPM Group, Ms. Sanila Lama, Field Coordinator of NIWF, and social worker Mr. Gyan Bahadur Tamang. The program was facilitated by Ms. Sumina Tamang, Secretary of the IPM Group, while Ms. Rasmila Talim delivered the welcome remarks. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Om Krishna Shrestha for his committed facilitation throughout the training period. His role was crucial in ensuring the participants gained practical skills to apply in their daily farming activities. This initiative reflects NIWF’s ongoing efforts to empower Indigenous women through sustainable agriculture and community-based climate adaptation.
On April 22, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF), with the support of NOREC, organized a National Workshop on Indigenous Women's Livelihood and Land Rights. The event was facilitated by Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai, bringing together diverse voices to discuss the critical intersection of Indigenous Women's livelihoods, land rights, and policy. The workshop commenced with opening remarks by NIWF Chairperson Ms. Suni Lama, who welcomed all participants and provided an overview of the NOREC exchange program. She highlighted the objectives of the workshop and the importance of cross-country learning and solidarity among Indigenous Communities.
A presentation was delivered by NIWF’s exchange volunteers from Bangladesh, Ms. Afsana and Ms. Elizabeth, who shared insights into the work of Badabon Sangho, a grassroots women-led organization in Bangladesh. They discussed the current scenario of land rights in Bangladesh, including the challenges faced by Indigenous and marginalized Women in securing and protecting their lands. Following this, Mr. Kamal Kumar Rai gave a detailed presentation on the land rights situation in Nepal, focusing on existing national policies and their implications for Indigenous peoples. He emphasized the need for stronger policy implementation to ensure equitable land ownership. Mr. Rajendra Dhungana, Under Secretary at Ministry of Forests and Environment further expanded on the role of the government in addressing land rights, underlining gaps in current legal frameworks and the urgency for reform to ensure justice for Indigenous communities. Mr. Divas Rai, General Secretary of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), shared stories of resistance and resilience from various Indigenous communities. He stressed the need for collective advocacy and unity in securing land rights and preserving Indigenous ways of life. From a media perspective, Mr. Fulman Bal, General Manager of Nepal Television, reflected on the influence of Western narratives and highlighted the vital role of media in amplifying Indigenous voices and protecting cultural identity.
The program concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Suni Lama, who expressed her gratitude to all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions. She reaffirmed NIWF’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Indigenous women and girls, and advocating for their land rights, dignity, and sovereignty.
On March 28, 2025, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) and Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), in collaboration with Adivasi Samanta Manch (ASM), jointly organized a sharing program on the research findings of the 'Linking and Learning through Action Research on River Rejuvenation, Indigenous Technology and Knowledge, and Climate Change.' The event served as a platform for Indigenous leaders, researchers to engage in critical discussions on the role of Indigenous knowledge in fostering climate resilience and sustainable environmental practices. The program was facilitated by Ms. Arzoo Rana Thapa, Program Coordinator of INWOLAG, who guided the sessions and ensured a productive exchange of ideas among participants. The event commenced with welcome remarks from Ms. Kaushila Rai, General Secretary of INWOLAG, who underscored the significance of this research in amplifying Indigenous voices and reaffirming their leadership in environmental conservation. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of NIWF, INWOLAG, and ASM in undertaking this research and emphasized the need for continued dialogue and action to address climate challenges affecting Indigenous communities.
The highlight of the program was the presentation of key research findings by Ms. Bratindi Jena, Lead Researcher of the project. She provided an in-depth analysis of the study’s outcomes, showcasing how Indigenous communities have long been the custodians of traditional ecological knowledge, utilizing sustainable water management techniques and climate adaptation practices rooted in their cultural heritage. Ms. Jena detailed case studies that demonstrated Indigenous-led initiatives in river rejuvenation, emphasizing their effectiveness in restoring ecosystems and ensuring water security for local populations. She further elaborated on how Indigenous technology and practices can complement modern scientific approaches to address climate change.
Representing NIWF, Ms. Sushila Maya Gole, Treasurer of NIWF, addressed the gathering, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Women in environmental stewardship. She stressed the urgent need to integrate Indigenous perspectives into national and international climate policies and called for greater recognition of Indigenous-led solutions in climate resilience efforts. Ms. Gole also shared insights on how NIWF has been working to empower Indigenous women and communities by documenting traditional knowledge and advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
The discussion session allowed participants to share their reflections on the research findings and discuss actionable strategies for policy advocacy and community-driven initiatives. Many attendees emphasized the importance of protecting Indigenous knowledge systems from exploitation while ensuring that they receive due recognition and support. The conversations underscored the need for a holistic approach that combines Indigenous wisdom, scientific research, and policy interventions to tackle the pressing environmental challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Indira Kumari Shreesh, Chairperson of INWOLAG, who reiterated the significance of collective action in preserving Indigenous wisdom and ecosystems. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the research and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to advance Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability. Ms. Shreesh called upon governmental and non-governmental organizations to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts and ensure that their voices are heard in climate governance frameworks.
